Witness detains suspected pot dealer

A man reportedly carrying bags of marijuana in the Super 8 Motel parking lot was arrested Monday thanks to a witness who helped detain him, the Ukiah Police Department reported.

According to the UPD, an officer saw two men walking in the parking lot at the motel on South Orchard Avenue around 10:30 p.m. Nov. 12. Both were reportedly carrying large garbage bags, one had a vacuum sealer, and the pair sped up after seeing the officer.

Suspecting the men were carrying marijuana and planning to package it in the motel, the officer tried to talk to them. One of the men jumped over a fence and onto Highway 101, which he ran across.

The second suspect, identified as Ryan T. Murphy, 26, of Ukiah, tried to get into a car and leave but a witness physically detained him until the officer came back from pursuing the first suspect.

Both suspects had discarded their bags, which had more than 10 pounds of marijuana, and more items for packaging were reportedly located in Murphy's motel room.

Murphy was arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sale, concealing or destroying evidence and violating his probation.

The second suspect is believed to be known as Chris, possibly from Santa Cruz, and is described as white, thin, in his mid 20s, 5-10, with light-colored hair worn in dreadlocks.